Hong Kong, one of the few places in the world still using bamboo scaffolding on modern construction sites, is stepping up safety standards.A new set of regulations designed to improve worker safety will take effect on October 19th, marking a significant shift in how the traditional craft is managed on construction projects.The updated Code of Practice (CoP) for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety introduces stricter guidelines for how bamboo scaffolds are built, maintained, and inspected. Key changes include tougher requirements for bracings and putlogs, more detailed supervision procedures, and mandatory certifications for workers handling the scaffolding. The Labour Department in Hong Kong is taking a no-nonsense approach to enforcing these new rules. Violators face immediate penalties, from project shutdowns to legal action.For months, the construction industry has been preparing for the shift, with a six-month grace period granted to help companies get up to speed. During this time, the Labour Department rolled out extensive training and public awareness campaigns to ensure that everyone in the industry is ready for the new regulations.
A Unique Tradition Under the Spotlight
Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong, where it’s still used on everything from high-rise towers to residential buildings. This ancient technique, admired for its strength, flexibility, and eco-friendly properties, has been part of the city’s skyline for generations. Despite its traditional roots, it remains a crucial part of Hong Kong’s modern construction industry.While many other regions have moved to steel scaffolding, Hong Kong continues to embrace bamboo—blending old-world craftsmanship with modern engineering. However, the risks involved in working with bamboo, especially at great heights, have driven the need for these updated safety standards.
A protein powder company founded by a scaffolder from Liverpool is set to make waves on the London stock market, aiming for a staggering £400 million valuation.
Thomas Ryder, the founder of Applied Nutrition, established the sports health brand after starting his career as a scaffolder on a Liverpool council estate.
Now, his company is gearing up for a significant listing in London, a move seen as a major vote of confidence in the brand and its future growth.
Applied Nutrition, based in Knowsley, Liverpool, will offer shares priced between 136p and 160p each, placing the firm’s potential worth between £340 million and £400 million.
As part of the listing, four prominent North West entrepreneurs will invest £25 million in shares, with Mohsin Issa, co-owner of supermarket giant Asda, as one of the cornerstone investors.
Ryder, 40, holds a 53.5% stake in the company, valued at up to £214 million. Despite his impressive entrepreneurial journey, Ryder’s beginnings were humble. Raised by his grandparents on a council house in Kirkby, he left school at 16 to pursue work in scaffolding.
Now a father of four, Ryder’s story is one of determination and business acumen, with his company positioned to become a major player in the sports nutrition market.
The company has also attracted significant backing from major figures in business. Earlier this year, Andy Bell, founder of broker AJ Bell, joined Applied Nutrition as chairman, further solidifying the brand’s credibility.
Ryder’s venture has also garnered interest from former JD Sports boss Peter Cowgill, showcasing the strong appeal of the business among heavyweight investors.
Applied Nutrition’s rise to prominence from its industrial park headquarters in Knowsley to the London Stock Exchange is an inspiring example of how ambition, grit, and vision can lead to extraordinary success.
M R Scaffolding Services Ltd, a prominent scaffolding contractor in London and South-East England, is marking its 50th anniversary this year, celebrating five decades of service and growth in the industry. Founded in 1974 by brothers John and Michael Trayfoot, the company has grown from a small, family-run business to one of the region’s leading providers of commercial scaffolding solutions.Still family-owned, the business is now led by the second generation, with John Trayfoot Jr and Matthew Trayfoot at the helm. They are supported by a strong leadership team, including Operations Director Lee Southam and Non-Executive Director Des Moore, both of whom have played a key role in ensuring the company maintains its reputation for high-quality work and a steadfast commitment to safety.
Landmark Projects and High-Profile Achievements
Reflecting on the company’s journey, M R Scaffolding has been involved in several landmark projects over the years. Among its portfolio of high-profile work are projects such as the George Washington Bridge in New York, a significant undertaking that showcased the firm’s capacity to handle complex international projects. Closer to home, their work on the iconic HMS Belfast and Claridge’s Hotel, featured in the BBC documentary The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild, underlines their precision and expertise. Their role in major construction efforts, like the Portsoken Street development, one of the largest design and build projects in Europe, and their collaboration with global companies such as GSK, further highlights their range and reliability.In addition to its impressive project history, M R Scaffolding has garnered industry recognition for its health and safety performance. The company has won several accolades, including the City of London Considerate Contractor Scheme Gold Award in 2017 and 2020, and the NASC Runner Up Health & Safety Award in 2022. In 2018, they were also named Health & Safety Subcontractor of the Year by Willmott Dixon. These awards reflect M R Scaffolding’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards across all its operations.In its 50th year, M R Scaffolding is celebrating another set of achievements, having recently secured ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 accreditations, underlining the company’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and occupational health and safety. Additionally, the firm achieved carbon-neutral status for its scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023, a significant step in its efforts to minimise its environmental impact.As well as focusing on its business goals, M R Scaffolding continues to play an active role in its local community. Its annual Golf Day raises money for Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon, where Managing Director John Trayfoot serves as a Board Trustee. The company is also a supporter of initiatives aimed at providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people, including the DIVERT scheme, the Bounce Back Project, and the Returning Citizens programme, which helps former offenders reintegrate into society through work placements.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, M R Scaffolding is investing in the latest technology to improve both safety and efficiency across its projects. The company is adopting the Layher System Scaffold, a cutting-edge scaffolding system that is expected to provide enhanced safety features and cost-effective solutions for clients.As M R Scaffolding celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains committed to upholding its core values of professionalism, reliability, and quality. With a strong team and a forward-thinking approach, the Trayfoot family and their leadership team are poised to continue their legacy of excellence for many years to come.Here’s to the next 50 years of success for M R Scaffolding Services Ltd.
ScaffEx24, one of the leading events for the scaffolding and construction industry, has announced the addition of two new keynote speakers for its upcoming conference. James Butcher, Executive Director of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), and David Abraham, Founder of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, will be delivering speeches at the event, which is set to take place in Belfast on 29 November 2024.The free-to-attend conference considered a key date in the industry’s calendar, brings together professionals from across the scaffolding and construction sectors. This year’s event will offer attendees insights from leading experts who will discuss the latest innovations and strategies shaping the future of the industry.
New Additions to the Speaker Lineup
James Butcher, in his role as Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the NFB, is responsible for helping construction firms improve their performance and navigate the industry’s evolving challenges. His participation in ScaffEx24’s “Meet the Buyer” session will focus on procurement, risk management, and fostering strong contractor-client relationships.David Abraham, who has spent over four decades in the scaffolding industry, will speak in the Training section of the conference. As the founder of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, Abraham has become a well-known figure in scaffolding safety and skills development. His speech will highlight the importance of safety training and the need for high standards in workforce development.
An Impressive Lineup of Speakers
Butcher and Abraham join an already strong lineup of speakers confirmed for ScaffEx24, which includes several prominent figures in the scaffolding and construction industries:
Suzannah Nichol, CEO of Build UK
Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
Dr Yasuo Toyosawa, President of the Scaffolding & Construction Equipment Association of Japan (SCEA)
Julio Black, Head of Product & Marketing, AT-PAC
Lee Rowswell, Group Director, GKR Scaffolding
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB Northern Ireland
The event is expected to attract a wide audience of industry professionals, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exploring the latest trends and technologies in scaffolding and construction.
A Key Event for the Industry
With a range of expert speakers and sessions covering topics from procurement to training and safety, ScaffEx24 is set to be one of the most significant events for the scaffolding and construction sectors in 2024.For more information and to register, visitScaffEx24.com.
BrandSafway, a global leader in access and speciality services, has announced Gabriel McCabe’s appointment as its new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2025.
The announcement follows the planned retirement of current CEO Karl Fessenden, who will step down at the end of 2024 after successfully leading the company through a period of substantial growth.McCabe, who is currently serving as President of BrandSafway’s North America division, will work closely with Fessenden on a transition plan before officially assuming his new role. With a decade of leadership experience at BrandSafway, McCabe has previously held several senior positions, including President of the Industrial, Energy & Commercial Division, International Division President, and Forming & Shoring. Before joining BrandSafway, McCabe spent over 22 years in global operational and management roles at General Electric.The company’s board, chaired by John Krenicki, expressed full confidence in McCabe’s leadership capabilities. Krenicki highlighted McCabe’s focus on safety, operational excellence, and his ability to align with BrandSafway’s strategic goals as essential to maintaining the company’s market leadership. “We are grateful to Karl Fessenden for his exceptional leadership and dedication, which has helped establish a solid foundation for the company’s future,” Krenicki added.Incoming CEO McCabe emphasised his commitment to continuing BrandSafway’s long-standing tradition of safety and innovation. “I am honoured to lead BrandSafway through the next chapter of our journey,” McCabe said. “We will continue to build solutions, create exciting career paths for our teams, and lead with innovation across the industry. I am thankful for Karl’s mentorship and the strong foundation he has built.”BrandSafway, which serves industrial, commercial, and infrastructure markets worldwide, has a history spanning over 100 years. The company remains committed to driving growth and maintaining its leadership in the sector under McCabe’s direction.
In a move that promises to reshape the Scaffolding and Formwork landscape across the Middle East and beyond, Scafom-rux, a Global Scaffolding giant, has announced a strategic partnership with Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork.
Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork, headquartered in Dubai, has established itself as the fastest-growing Scaffolding & Formwork provider in the Middle East and India.In just three years, the company has expanded from a single location in Dubai to 12 strategic sites across 5 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and India. With a fleet of high-grade galvanised access materials and state-of-the-art Aluminium Forming and Shoring Solutions, Kirtanlal has built a reputation of having a Zero-Compromise approach to Safety, Quality and Services.“Our growth has been rapid, controlled and always grounded in quality,” said Charles Edwards, CEO of Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork. “This partnership with Scafom-rux aligns with our commitment to market leading safety, services and product excellence.”
Scafom-rux: A Global Leader in Innovation
With over 45 years of experience, Scafom-rux is a Global powerhouse in Scaffolding, Forming and Shoring Solutions, operating in 35 locations across 20 countries. Known for its innovative Cuplok, Duralok, and Ring Scaffolding systems, Scafom-rux has built a strong reputation for developing cutting-edge Scaffolding, Forming, and Shoring technologies.“This partnership allows us to strengthen our presence in the Middle East and India, while working with a company that shares our commitment to quality and innovation,” commented Paul Grant Operations Director at Scafom-rux Middle East.
Strengthening Regional Presence and Global Ambitions
For Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork, the partnership with Scafom-rux offers more than just a broader base of product lines. It marks the next step in their ambitious Global expansion plans.By leveraging Scafom-rux’s extensive expertise and international presence, Kirtanlal aims to expand its footprint further into Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.“Our aspirations are Global,” Edwards noted. “With Scafom-rux, we’re not just looking at strengthening our position in the Middle East but expanding into key international markets.”Kirtanlal’s rapid rise has been underpinned by significant investments in its material fleet, growing from US$ 20 million to over US$ 100 million in just three years. The company is currently investing over US$ 3 million per month in its rental fleet to meet increasing regional demand and ongoing expansion plans.John Brocklehurst Global Business Development Director of Scafom-Rux, highlighted the importance of this commitment to quality. “Kirtanlal’s focus isn’t just on price—it’s about doing things the right way and not cutting corners. That’s why we’re so excited to be partnering with them.”Through this collaboration, Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork will be able to offer Scafom-rux’s complete product range across its operations in the Middle East and India. Customers in these regions will benefit from immediate access to a broader portfolio of Scaffolding and Formwork products supported by Kirtanlal’s reputation and existing infrastructure.“This is a win-win for both companies,” Brocklehurst stated. “We’re combining our core strengths to offer the highest quality solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is set to introduce a significant advancement in scaffolding safety and compliance at ScaffEx24 with the launch of TG30, a new comprehensive guidance suite designed for system scaffolding.
The initiative, hailed as a game changer for the industry, promises to revolutionise how system scaffolding is planned, constructed, and maintained.TG30 has been developed in collaboration with leading scaffolding system manufacturers and suppliers, offering practical and standardised guidance across the diverse range of system scaffolding options available today. Much like its predecessor, TG20, which now serves as the industry benchmark for tube and fitting scaffolding, TG30 is designed to provide contractors with a consistent and reliable framework for demonstrating compliance with industry regulations and best practices.Scheduled for release in November 2024, TG30 will complement TG20, covering both system and traditional scaffolding, ensuring contractors can deliver projects that meet the highest safety and compliance standards. Rosette Generic Systems will be featured initially, with Wedge and Cup systems expected to be added in 2025. The guidance will also expand to include specific manufacturer products, allowing for higher structures to be safely incorporated into TG30 compliance sheets.
Comprehensive Guidance for the Entire Industry
TG30 will comprise several key components designed to simplify and standardise the process for those involved in scaffolding procurement, design, construction, and use. These include the TG30 eGuide for generating compliance sheets, the TG30 Operational Guide, the TG30 Design Guide, and a handy pocket-sized User Guide. These tools will enable contractors to evidence their adherence to good practices, as well as provide proof that scaffolds erected under TG30 guidance have been verified by strength and stability calculations in line with BS EN 12811 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005.One of the most anticipated features of TG30 is the introduction of compliance sheets, which will offer a consistent format similar to the now widely used TG20 compliance sheets for tube and fitting scaffolds. A TG20 Compliance sheetThese sheets will serve as a vital tool for scaffolding contractors to show clients and regulators that their scaffolding meets all necessary safety standards without the need for bespoke designs, which can often be costly and time-consuming.
“The use of a TG30 compliance sheet will be a game changer.”
Colin Murphy, Head of Technical Authorities at Altrad UK & Ireland and a key figure in NASC’s Technical Committee, highlighted the significance of TG30. “For basic system scaffolding structures, where the cost of a design can often be prohibitive and the manufacturer’s user manual overly complex, the use of a TG30 compliance sheet will be a game changer. It will provide much-needed reassurance to clients while ensuring a safe and consistent approach to construction.”TG30 marks a major milestone in NASC’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, which aims to streamline access to critical scaffolding guidance for its members. The introduction of TG30 will ensure that scaffolding contractors have the resources they need to maintain safety and regulatory compliance across a broad range of system scaffolding projects.ScaffEx24 attendees will have the first opportunity to explore TG30 and understand how it will impact the future of scaffolding design and implementation.
AT-PAC, a global leader in scaffolding manufacturing and solutions, has appointed Allan Hazzard as the new Managing Directorfor its Canadian operations.Allan HazzardThis strategic move is aimed at enhancing the company’s presence and growth in the Canadian market, as AT-PAC transitions to a more localised management structure.Operating in Canada since 2000, with a base in Edmonton, Alberta, AT-PAC’s Canadian branch has been managed under a unified North American structure until recently. With Hazzard’s appointment, the company is shifting its focus towards strengthening its leadership in Canada, supporting anticipated growth in both Eastern and Western markets.Josh Dundon, AT-PAC’s CEO, welcomed the appointment, noting, “The appointment of Mr. Hazzard is a strategic step forward and will enable us to build off the existing talented team and our almost 25-year history in Canada to expand our presence and better serve our customers in important markets across Canada.”Hazzard, who will be based in Calgary, brings over 20 years of leadership experience, including a decade in the modular building industry with WillScot. His expertise in scaling businesses across diverse sectors, both in Canada and the U.S., positions him well to lead AT-PAC’s next phase of growth in the region.Commenting on his new role, Mr Hazzard said, “I am truly honoured to step into the role of Managing Director for AT-PAC Canada at such an exciting time in the company’s journey. Having spent much of my career in roles focused on scaling businesses across diverse markets, I am thrilled to now lead a talented team in driving AT-PAC’s continued growth and innovation in the Canadian market.”As Managing Director, Hazzard will lead AT-PAC’s Edmonton-based team and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy. This will involve enhancing the company’s sales, commercial, and operational structures to support its growing customer base and further expansion into new markets across Canada.AT-PAC is renowned for its scaffolding solutions tailored to industries such as oil and gas, mining, and major infrastructure. In 2023, the company became part of the Doka family, a global leader in construction formwork. This combination of AT-PAC’s 25 years of scaffolding expertise with Doka’s innovative solutions provides comprehensive scaffolding services supported by Hi-Vis® software technology, revolutionising the way scaffolding is planned and executed on complex projects.
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is set to unveil its highly anticipated Common Assessment Standard (CAS) at this year’s ScaffEx24, marking a significant shift in how scaffolding contractors handle prequalification requirements. This major initiative is designed to simplify the complex and time-consuming accreditation process that many scaffolding firms face when bidding for larger contracts.Currently, scaffolding contractors are often required to undergo multiple assessments from various bodies such as Achilles, CHAS, and Construction Line to meet industry standards. This can involve completing a wide range of prequalification questionnaires, adding significant administrative burden and cost to the tendering process. However, with the introduction of the CAS, NASC members will now be able to streamline these requirements into a single, unified process that is all managed through the NASC audit.Members of the NASC who already hold multiple accreditations will face no additional questions beyond those in the NASC audit, seamlessly incorporating the CAS requirements. This shift is expected to reduce significantly the need for engagement with third-party assessment bodies and allow contractors to focus more on delivering quality services rather than navigating administrative hurdles.Adding further credibility to this move, the NASC has recently attained ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications. This achievement positions the NASC to be officially recognised as an Assessment Body by the second quarter of 2025, allowing it to provide CAS certification directly to its members.The Common Assessment Standard, backed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), replaces the PAS91 scheme, which was phased out in March 2023 for government procurement.The CLC’s endorsement ensures that scaffolding firms holding the CAS will meet all necessary prequalification criteria without needing to maintainmultiple, overlapping certifications. A letter from the CLC is available for those accredited with CAS, confirming that a single accreditation is sufficient to meet government requirements.The official launch of this game-changing initiative will take place at ScaffEx24. NASC members attending the event will be offered a special introductory deal, and scaffolding professionals will have the chance to explore how the CAS can help improve efficiency and reduce costs for businesses across the UK.
As National Scaffolding Week 2024 gets underway, the Scaffolding Association has announced a landmark partnership with City & Guilds Training to deliver exclusive Skills Bootcamps for scaffolding training. The initiative is designed to offer fully funded training opportunities to members of the association, ensuring that participants can access the qualifications needed to thrive in the industry.
Fully Funded Scaffolding Training
Through the partnership, City & Guilds Training will provide 100% funding for CISRS Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced Courses, including NVQ and skills assessments. These courses are available to both CITB and non-CITB registered companies, offering wide-ranging access to essential qualifications for those working within the scaffolding sector.The scaffolding industry contributes over £2.86 billion to the UK economy annually and supports more than 6,000 companies, so there is significant growth potential within the sector. This partnership aims to boost the skill levels of current workers, helping them progress in their careers while supporting the industry’s long-term development.
Courses on Offer
The Skills Bootcamps include a range of CISRS courses tailored explicitly to scaffolding professionals, with options such as:
CISRS Part 1 Metrix
CISRS Part 1 Layher
CISRS Part 2 Metrix
CISRS Part 2 Layher
CISRS Advanced Course
These courses, typically lasting up to 16 weeks, are aimed at helping individuals enhance their skill sets and become job-ready in one of the UK’s most in-demand sectors.
Skills Bootcamps: A Path to Career Growth
Skills Bootcamps are part of the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, offering flexible and targeted training options across key industries.Designed to provide learners with sector-specific skills that are directly aligned with current job market demands, the bootcamps are open to adults aged 19 or over who are either currently employed, seeking a career change, or recently unemployed. The initiative is open to individuals residing in England.As scaffolding companies continue to seek highly skilled workers, these bootcamps present an ideal opportunity for participants to advance their careers in a field that offers significant prospects for growth and progression.
Limited Spaces Available
Members of the Scaffolding Association are encouraged to act quickly, as spaces for these fully funded courses are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.To learn more about how to apply for these exclusive scaffolding training bootcamps, visit:https://cityandguildstraining.com/skills-bootcamps-scaffolding-training
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